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Message JUNENEWSLETTER2025
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STRAWBERRYMOONTHE SIXTH MOON OFCREATION IS THESTRAWBERRY MOON.THE MEDICINE OF THESTRAWBERRY ISRECONCILIATION. IT WASDURING THIS MOONCYCLE THATCOMMUNITIES USUALLYHELD THEIR ANNUALFEASTS, WELCOMINGEVERYONE HOMEREGARDLESS OF THEIRDIFFERENCES OVER THEPAST YEAR, LETTING GOOF JUDGEMENT ANDSELF-RIGHTEOUSNESS.ODE’MIN-GIIZISSTRAWBERRY TEACHINGSKATHY FORTINJune 11, 2025
Aanii Hello,This month the Kizhaay Program took part in the AnnualMoosehide Day to end violence towards women and girlsMay 15, 2025! We joined other nations, individuals andorganizations across Turtle Island in taking action againstviolence by men by means of education, spreadingawareness, making pledges, and having a march insolidarity. It is of utmost importance to encourage men tomake positive changes in their lives so they can behealthy individuals for their communities and good rolemodels for the younger generations.Pearl (Community Justice Coordinator), Jay (KizhaayGraduate), Rob (Kizhaay Graduate) and Kris (I am a KindMan Coordinator) attended Canadore First Peoples Centreto host a breakout group on how the KizhaayAnishinaabe Niin Program is working towards endingviolence.It was a great day, filled with lots of shared knowledge,discussion and healing; our graduates helped facilitate thebreakout session by speaking about how their time at theNBIFC and in the I am a Kind Man program has helpedthem, and how they are committed to ending violence intheir lifetimes. It is truly a testament to the program to seeour graduates out in the community sharing the SevenGrandfather teachings and how they are helping people towalk the good path.There were over 40 people in attendance throughout theevent, and it wrapped up with a march around theCanadore and Nipissing university campuses to help raiseawareness.We would like to thank Canadore First Peoples Centre, allthe presenters and participants for a great day togetherand Gerry for organizing an excellent community event!Moosehide Day May 15 2025thINDIGENOUS MENTAL HEALTH &WELLNESSOur Indigenous Mental HealthProgram continues to thrive, offeringa welcoming space for communityconnection and creativity. Individualcounseling sessions provide essentialsupport, while, in partnership withLife Long Care, our popular beadingnights attract an average of 15participants each week, where theygather to create stunning beadworkand share their stories. Along with the Indigenous Healingand Wellness program, the Welbrietyclasses concluded with six proudgraduates, and we are excited toannounce that new classes will beginat the end of April. For those seeking peer support, weencourage you to reach out via phoneor email to schedule an appointment.Together, we are fostering resilienceand promoting mental well-beingwithin our community.Kimberley Stephen
On May 5th, over 150 community members gathered behind the North Bay IndigenousFriendship Centre to take part in our annual Red Dress Day walk to the waterfront, with agathering happening at the Kiwanis Bandshell. It was a moving sight—so many reddresses, shirts, and signs, the support and solidarity of days like these are something sohard to put into words. Red Dress Day is always emotional. For many of us, it's not just about raising awareness—it's about family. It's about the aunties, cousins, daughters, and sisters who never madeit home. It's about standing up for those who can’t, and continuing to push for a saferworld for our women, girls, and 2-Spirit people.There’s still so much work to do.So what can we do, and how do places like the North Bay Indigenous Friendship Centrehelp?Support our youth. They need spaces where they feel safe, valued, and proud of whothey are. Cultural connection, mentorship, and love go a long way.Keep the pressure on. We can’t let this issue fade into the background. Whether it’spushing for better policies, accountability from law enforcement, or simply raisingawareness, every voice counts, and events like this need to keep happening.Create space for stories. Listening to each other and making room for our truths helpsus heal—and helps others understand.Stand together. Whether you’ve been directly impacted or you’re showing up as anally, your presence matters. Keep coming. Keep caring.There’s power in community. And there’s power in each of us who chooses to act, to care,to remember. Red Dress Day reminds us of everything we’ve lost—but it also calls us toprotect what we still have: our young people, our culture, and each other.Let’s keep walking together.
GROWTH AND SUCCESS!
Ribbon SkirtMaking!Apatisiwin Employment and TrainingRESOURCE CENTRE SERVICES REGISTERED CLIENTPROGRAMS Pre-Career Development& Exploration Securing paid on the jobtraining opportunitiesSelf-EmploymentSupports Employment SupportsStudent Summer JobsFunding for TrainingStay in School InitiativeYouth InternshipsApprenticeshipsPre-Employment Training Access to local job listings& job boardTelephone, Internet, &Computer AccessPhotocopy & Fax ServicesResume & Cover LetterSupport Job Search SupportAccess to WorkshopsResource MaterialsNetworking Opportunities(705) 472 2811 Ext. 202 or 243 apatisiwin@nbifc.org apatisiwin2@nbifc.org
EMCEE: Bob GoulaisHEAD ELDERSPerry and Laurie McLeod-ShabogesicSUNDAYSunrise CeremonyGrand Entry 12 PM Giveaway June 7 & 8 2025th thPOW WOWSATURDAYSunrise CeremonyGrand Entry 12 PM & 7 PM Community Dinner5 PMLee Park800 Memorial Park Drive,North Bay, ON P1A 1T6 Registration Opens 10:30 AM each dayAll Registered Dancers PaidBring your Feast Bundle, Lawn Chair and Water BottleNo Overnight CampingNo Dogs PleaseM A A M W I K I N D A A S W I N 50+ Indigenous Craft Vendorsmoccasins, earrings, art,clothing and more!Food Trucks/CanteenWater Truck on siteHealing Through CommunityVendors, Sponsorship, orfor more information: inquire@nbifc.org
VOLUNTEERSMEETINGJune 4, 2025 at 3:15pmNBIFC Rec RoomLIGHT SNACK WILLBE PROVIDED.TO DISCUSSVOLUNTEER DUTIESKINDLY INFORM US OFYOUR AVAILABILITY TOATTEND.We are looking for volunteers of all ages tojoin us from Friday, June 6th, Saturday, June7th, & Sunday, June 8th. Students can alsocount these hours towards their placementrequirements. Volunteers Needed!We Need Help WithElder ParkingElder TentDignitaries Support PersonsArbor HelperSound AssistantGround HelpersAnd much, much more!Scan & Signup to savethe dateand getupdates! (705)472-2811 ext. 207cjw@nbifc.orgPearl SandySign Up Today! June 6, 7 & 8 , 2025thLee Park800 Memorial Dr, North Bay, ONKindaaswinKindaaswinpow-wowpow-wowMaamwiMaamwi Sunrise ceremony The City of North Bayand the North BayIndigenous FriendshipCentre invite you to aSunrise CeremonyJune 18 2025 · 5:30 AM ·MiskwaadesiAmphitheatreconducted byPerry McLeod-Shabogesic ofNipissing FirstNationCoffee,Tea andlightsnacks tofollow.All are welcome!For more information: inquire@nbifc.org
We've been hard at work withCommunications and Cultural Resources.Winding up for the pow wow has us crow-hopping before the dancing has evenstarted! It's going to be a great event, and Ilook forward to seeing you all. We haveover 50 Indigenous craft vendors, and quitea number of food vendors (both Indigenousand non). Remember to invite all yourfamily and friends!May was a hectic month, helping out withsome youth circles, training with theOFIFC, and so much more.I know everyone's summers are busy aswe really start to travel the pow wow circuit,visit friends and family or just get out andenjoy the incredible space that is our homewith camping, canoeing and all forms ofoutdoor summer fun.Part of our duties as the two leggeds thatenjoy and live on this place, is taking careof it. Cleaning up our garbage, beingrespectful of the water and plants that livearound us and do our best to ensureeveryone thrives.I've been so fortunate to meet somewonderful people who are working hard totake care of the land. One of these groupsis from Lake Bernard in Sunridge, and theycall themselves the Phrag Fighters. Acompletely volunteer-driven group thatprovides education, training and instructionon controlling and reducing invasivephragmites around our ditches andwaterways. If you want to learn to controlthis invasive plant, get in touch. Trees for Nipissing is working hard toestablish trees in our city landscape for usand future generations to enjoy.The Butterfly Way has a garden at thewaterfront filled with native plants, one ofthe few gardens in City of North Bayspaces that is working hard to reestablishthe food diversity our birds, and insectsneed.An small crew of volunteers continue tocheck on and add plants to theMiskwaadesi Amphitheatre space.Which led me to thinking, maybe thissummer, if we all took a second to put anative plant where it belongs, or in a flowerpot by our doorways, or slide a few into ourflowers beds, we can all ensure that ourrelatives have a little bit of space, even herein the city. My plan is to plant somebearberry shrubs. Because, like us, theyare the originals who call this place home,and their medicine has helped my family somuch. Its important to give back when youcan. If you have any time to spare, and enjoygardening, let me know and I can put you intouch with some of these greatorganizations.Have a beautiful June!Sandra Thorkelson CRC&COMMUNICATIONS
HAPPY JUNE EVERYONE! WEATHER IS BECOMING NICER, HOPEEVERYONE IS GETTING SOME GARDENING AND BBQING INTO THEIRDAYS.I WOULD LOVE TO TAKE A MOMENT AND THANK THE AMAZINGSTAFF HERE AT THE NBIFC. SUCH AN INCREDIBLE TEAM. NOT ONLYARE THEY INCREDIBLE BUT FUN AND POSITIVE TO WORK WITH.WE JUST HAD OUR SECOND GOLF TOURNAMENT MAY 23RD, 2025,TO RAISE MONEY FOR OUR UPCOMING ANNUAL MAAMWIKINDAASWIN POW WOW, AND IT MADE A GENEROUS AMOUNT OFMONEY, THANK TO OUR HOLE SPONSORS, GOLF TEAMS ANDAUCTION SPONSORS. BIG THANK YOU TO EVERYONE!NARKUMMIK (THANK YOU)Events planner--TRACI KORITSARIS
NEW FOR2025!MENSSHARINGCIRCLEWEDNESDAY JULY 2WEDNESDAY JULY 16WEDNESDAY JULY 30WEDNESDAY AUGUST 9DATES:Kizhaay@nbifc.org705-472-2811 x 216Kris Dicht - Kizhaay Anishinaabe NiinCoordinator@ THE NBIFCREGISTER TODAY!